Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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337. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the most recent settlements in Israel will be discussed at the next European Council meeting; and if he plans to speak on the issue. [5774/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The agenda for the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council is decided by the High Representative. The Middle East Peace Process was discussed at the January and February Councils. It is expected that it will be discussed again in March.

While the specific focus of the discussion has not been determined, it is anticipated that it will encompass recent worrying developments, including the surge of settlement announcements, as well as consideration of the wider international picture on the MEPP and how the EU might seek to proceed.

I have consistently emphasised at the Council the role of settlements as a driver for much of the conflict and would intend to stress the point again in my contribution to the debate at the next Council.